With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, Maddie Hokanson follows a simple but profound philosophy in life: Start with why. A seventh-generation farmer, Maddie explains how her “why” – to ensure a successful, thriving future for the generations she will never meet – drives all aspects of her life, from family to farming to advocating for the pork industry.

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The U.S. pork industry is undergoing an exciting transformation. After weathering historic losses in 2023, producers are now returning to profitability and uniting behind the bold new Taste What Pork Can Do campaign. To mark the one-year anniversary of The PORK Podcast, host Jennifer Shike sits down with National Pork Board CEO David Newman. He shares his forward-looking vision for the industry and emphasizes how authenticity and transparency are essential for driving long-term success for producers.

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A thoughtful, inspiring and quiet leader, Brian Arnold is no stranger to the swine industry. Prior to joining United Animal Health as senior product manager of direct fed microbials, he gained a deeper perspective of the industry through his work at the National Swine Registry and Zoetis. Arnold enjoys raising a few showpigs with this family and judging youth stock shows. But his greatest contribution isn’t in what he has achieved – it’s the impact he has had on those who have watched him lead his family through challenging times, including his wife's cancer diagnosis and sons’ health challenges.

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The current pain level of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in the U.S. is extreme, says swine veterinarians Scott Dee and Gordon Spronk. That’s why they are calling for transformational change - the eradication of PRRS from the U.S. swine herd - in a viewpoint article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

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As an educator at Kansas State University, Joel DeRouchey has had the opportunity to be a part of many teams and see a lot of teams in action. From his perspective, teams must constantly evaluate if they need to refocus, recharge or reset. From understanding your role on a team to embracing horizontal accountability to knowing when it’s time to move on, teamwork sets the pace for success.

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Showing livestock has taught Olivia Shike much more than how to care for animals and present them in the show ring — it’s opened doors for a future in animal agriculture. She joins her mom, host Jennifer Shike, on The PORK Podcast to reflect on her last summer at home working in the show barn and the lessons she has gleaned through 4-H, FFA, Team Purebred and the National Junior Swine Association. Learn how Olivia relies on her faith and humor to keep a positive outlook on life, and how mentors in the industry have helped her develop critical life skills such as time management, resilience and leadership.

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A true pork power couple, Rob and Char Brenneman of Washington, Iowa define a symbiotic relationship. Word on the street is that “Rob is the gas pedal and Char is the brakes!” The farm team is quick to point out that they are both good drivers because nobody is slamming on either pedal unnecessarily and there is always a check and balance in play. Today they join the podcast to discuss how this system has allowed them to build a pork legacy.

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The passion and leadership Clay Zwilling brings to the purebred swine industry as CEO of the National Swine Registry is not only creating opportunities for purebred swine breeders and show pig breeders, but it’s also opening doors for the next generation to find their future in the swine industry. The purebred swine industry is constantly changing and evolving to help pig enthusiasts find a place to enter into the pork industry at all levels.

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Are you a stock show parent or thinking about getting your kids involved in showing livestock? In this episode, we sit down with Emily Spray—better known as The Funny Fair Mom—to reveal the real-life challenges and rewards of being a stock show mom. Emily shares honest advice on handling comparison, helping kids through disappointment, and focusing on what truly matters at livestock shows. She also opens up about balancing family life, her journey as a social media influencer in the ag community, and practical hacks every show family can use.

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